[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/08\/common-signs-of-stroke\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/08\/common-signs-of-stroke\/","headline":"Signs of Stroke: The Stroke Warning Signs You Need to Know","name":"Signs of Stroke: The Stroke Warning Signs You Need to Know","description":"Know the signs of stroke and what you should do if you think you or someone else is experiencing a stroke.","datePublished":"2018-08-10","dateModified":"2024-11-21","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/stroke-signs.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/stroke-signs.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/08\/common-signs-of-stroke\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":517,"articleBody":"More than 750,000 Americans have a stroke every year, and stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in this country.That\u2019s a good reason to learn the signs of stroke and how to react if you think you or someone else is\u00a0experiencing a stroke.\u201cYou lose about 2 million brain cells a minute during a stroke, so time is of the essence in recognizing a stroke and getting treatment,\u201d explains Matthew Starr, MD, who specializes in neurology and vascular neurology at UPMC.The Three Types of StrokeAlthough we tend to use the word \u201cstroke\u201d as an umbrella term, there are actually\u00a0three types of stroke:A\u00a0transient ischemic attack (TIA)\u00a0occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms last for a short time and disappear without any damage to the brain. However, a TIA can be a warning sign of a future full-blown stroke. \u201cAbout a third of patients who have a TIA will go on to have a major stroke,\u201d says Dr. Starr.An\u00a0ischemic stroke\u00a0occurs when there is a blocked blood vessel in the brain and blood flow is stopped, reducing oxygen to that part of the brain.A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel breaks and blood leaks or spills into the brain tissue, causing brain cells in the affected area to die. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of hemorrhagic stroke where blood leaks into the space between the inner and outer layers of the tissue covering the brain.Hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes can lead to brain damage and disability and can sometimes be fatal.Recognizing the Symptoms of StrokeThe\u00a0symptoms of stroke\u00a0can include the following:Weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg.Difficulty with speech.Difficulty understanding others.Loss of vision or difficulty seeing.Double vision.Difficulty with balance or coordination.Severe\u00a0headache.If you think you could be having a stroke, or\u00a0if you observe someone else who may be having a stroke, it\u2019s important to seek medical attention.\u201cCall 911 right away,\u201d says Dr. Starr. \u201cDon\u2019t try to drive yourself or your loved one to the hospital.\u201dThat\u2019s because emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can provide potentially lifesaving care on the scene and in the ambulance.There\u2019s another important reason to get immediate care at the first signs of stroke. Although your treatment options depend on your condition and the type of stroke, the sooner you receive treatment, the better.Prevention: The Best MedicineAfter acute stroke treatment, most people benefit from\u00a0stroke rehabilitation. However, the best\u00a0treatment for a stroke\u00a0is to prevent it in the first place or prevent recurrence.Engage in some healthy activities. “That may include regular exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating more fruits and vegetables,\u201d says Dr. Starr.It\u2019s also a good idea to check your blood pressure regularly and talk with your\u00a0doctor.Learn more about stroke care at the UPMC Stroke Institute.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 10, 2018, and was last reviewed on November 21, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Signs of Stroke: The Stroke Warning Signs You Need to Know","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/08\/common-signs-of-stroke\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]